The best kinds of exercise for pregnancy

If you wish to continue exercising during your pregnancy then, you will need to change your exercise routine. The most important priority is you and your babies health and well being. Therefore, the changes you make must reflect this by ensuring your exercise routines are safe.

Research suggests that prenatal exercise may also lower the risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, exercise can help you manage the condition and prevent complications.

Exercise is so beneficial that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies aim to exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes a day with moderate intensity on most or all days of the week. The ideal workout gets your heart pumping, keeps you limber, manages weight gain, and prepares your muscles to handle the physical demands of pregnancy and the postpartum period without causing undue physical stress for you or the baby.

How to stay fit and healthy during pregnancy

From yoga and Pilates to swimming and brisk walking, here are some of the best ways to stay active and fit during pregnancy.

Consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program. If you get the go-ahead to work out, be sure to listen to your body. Don’t overdo it – stop if it hurts or feels uncomfortable.

And before you put on your sneakers, learn the rules of safe pregnancy exercise. Many gyms and community centers offer fitness classes designed specifically for pregnant women and have instructors who can offer expert guidance on exercising safely.

The following activities are usually safe for expectant moms, although some of them may not work for you as you near your due date.Click on the links to learn more about each exercise.

Cardio for moms-to-be

Walking: One of the best cardiovascular exercises for pregnant women, walking keeps you fit without jarring your knees and ankles. It’s also easy to do almost anywhere, doesn’t require any equipment beyond a good pair of supportive shoes, and is safe to do throughout all nine months of pregnancy.

Swimming: Healthcare providers and fitness experts encourage swimming as the best and safest exercise for pregnant women. Swimming is ideal because it exercises your large muscle groups (both arms and legs), provides cardiovascular benefits, reduces swelling, and allows you to feel weightless despite all the extra pounds you’re carrying. It can be especially helpful for women with low back pain.